JPH1130713A - Method and device for manufacturing color filter, color filter, display device, and device equipped with the display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the manufacturing method of the color filter which make coloring states uniform for every kinds of ink. SOLUTION: The color filter is manufactured by coloring pixels on a color filter substrate 53 by jetting ink from ink jet heads 55a, 55b, and 55c to the color filter substrate 53, which is colored by using the ink jet heads having different hole areas of ink jet nozzles for every kind of ink to be used.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a color filter using an ink jet method, a color filter, a display apparatus, and an apparatus having the display apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method for producing a color filter, a pigment dispersion method, a dyeing method, an electrodeposition method, a printing method and the like are known.

[0003] The pigment dispersion method is a process in which a photosensitive resin layer in which a pigment is dispersed on a glass substrate is formed, and a process of obtaining a single color pattern by patterning the same is repeated three times for each of R, G, and B colors. It forms a color filter.

In the dyeing method, a layer of a water-soluble polymer material as a material for dyeing is formed on a glass substrate, formed into a desired pattern by photolithography, and the glass substrate is immersed in a dyeing bath. The process of obtaining a colored pattern is repeated three times for three colors of R, G, and B to form a color filter.

The electrodeposition method is a process of forming a transparent electrode pattern on a glass substrate, immersing the glass substrate in an electrodeposition coating solution containing a pigment, a resin, an electrolytic solution and the like to electrodeposit a single color. , G, and B colors are repeated three times, and then fired to form a color filter.

[0006] The printing method is a method in which printing using a material obtained by dispersing a pigment in a thermosetting resin is repeated three times to separately apply R, G, and B colors, and then the resin is thermoset. is there.

[0007] The four methods are common to R,
It is necessary to repeat the same process three times in order to color the three colors G and B, and there are drawbacks such as a low yield and a high cost due to the large number of processes.

Further, the electrodeposition method is difficult to apply to a TFT because the shape of a pattern that can be formed is limited. Further, the printing method has disadvantages such as poor resolution and difficulty in responding to pattern miniaturization.

In order to compensate for these disadvantages, there has been proposed a technique of forming a color filter pattern by discharging ink on a glass substrate by an ink jet head (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 59-75205 and 63-75205). 235
901, JP-A-1-217320).

[0010]

As described above, when a color filter is manufactured by an ink-jet method,
Separate inkjet heads are used to eject red (R), green (G), and blue (B) inks.
Conventionally, it is common to use three identical heads for each of these heads.

The major problems of the ink jet method are as follows: (1) When the amount of ink to be applied to the colored portion is small, the ink does not spread over the entire colored portion and the density is partially reduced, so-called “white spot” ( 2) When the amount of ink to be applied to the colored portion is large, there are two types of “mixed colors” in which the ink passes over the colored portion and is mixed with ink of a different color in an adjacent colored portion.

In general, color filters used in color liquid crystal display devices have various shapes (areas, widths, etc.) of colored portions depending on the specifications of display device manufacturers. For example, when a small amount of ink is ejected to a colored portion having a wide width, a problem of “white spots” tends to occur. Conversely, when a large amount of ink is ejected to a narrow colored portion, “ "Color mixing" tends to occur.

Furthermore, since the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) inks used for coloring the color filters generally have different solvent treatments for dissolving the dyes, they have to be used after they land. There is a big difference in the spread of This point also causes the problems of “white spots” and “color mixture”.

Conventionally, in order to solve the above two problems, a method of electrically controlling the discharge power for each nozzle ("bit correction") has been used as a method of adjusting the discharge ink amount.

The "bit correction" will be described for a case where a bubble jet head, which is a kind of ink jet head, is used.

In a bubble jet head, by giving a pulse signal for a certain time to a thermal resistor incorporated in each nozzle, bubbles are generated by the heat generated there. The ink is ejected by the force of the bubbles. The bit correction is to adjust the amount of ink ejected by changing the length (time) of the pulse signal.

For example, FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the time length (heating time) of some pulse signals and the ink discharge amount at that time for three nozzles.

Here, the ink ejection amount of the three nozzles is set to 2
When adjusting to 00 ng, pulses having a time length of 0.5 μs, 0.75 μs, and 1.0 μs, respectively, may be applied to each nozzle as shown in FIG. By discharging ink with this setting, ink dots having a uniform diameter as shown in FIG. 16 can be obtained.

However, the width of the ink discharge amount that can be adjusted by the bit correction is narrow, and a more complicated circuit configuration is required inside the head to adjust the wide width. This leads to an increase in the cost of the head.

The red (R), green (G), and blue (B) inks used for coloring the color filter generally have different solvent formulations for dissolving the dye. Therefore, there is a difference in the degree of wet spread after landing on the receiving layer. This means that when the ejection amount is controlled by bit correction, a wide ejection amount adjustment is required for each ink.

That is, when a color filter is manufactured using heads having the same specifications, it is necessary to provide a maximum width adjustment range in consideration of the ejection amounts (spread spread) of the three colors of R, G, and B inks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a color filter capable of making a colored state uniform for each type of ink. It is.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a color filter and a display device manufactured by the above-described manufacturing method, and a device provided with the display device.

[0024]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problems are solved,
In order to achieve the object, a method of manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention is to manufacture a color filter by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an inkjet head and coloring each pixel on the object to be colored. The method is characterized in that the object to be colored is colored by changing an average ejection amount of ink and / or an ink ejection pitch for each type of ink to be used.

In the method of manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, the object to be colored is colored by using an ink jet head having a different hole area of an ink discharge nozzle for each type of ink to be used.

In the method of manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, the types of the ink are three types of red ink, green ink, and blue ink.

In the method for manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, three types of heads, a red ink head, a green ink head, and a blue ink head, are used as the inkjet heads, and the ink ejection nozzles of each head are used. Are characterized by having different hole areas.

In the method of manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, the three types of heads simultaneously eject the inks of the respective colors while simultaneously scanning relative to the object to be colored. It is characterized by coloring a colored body.

Further, in the method for manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, a method of drawing a dot pattern using actually used ink, taking an image of the dot pattern with a camera, and performing image processing on the dot pattern so that the ink spreads out. And determining the average ejection amount and / or ejection pitch of the ink based on the detection result.

Further, in the method of manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, a method of drawing a line pattern using actually used ink, taking an image of the line pattern with a camera, and performing image processing on the line pattern to form a wetting and spreading method of the ink. And determining the average ejection amount and / or ejection pitch of the ink based on the detection result.

In the method for manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, the ink jet head is a head for discharging ink using thermal energy,
It is characterized by having a thermal energy generator for generating thermal energy given to the ink.

The color filter manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a color filter by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an ink jet head and coloring each pixel on the object to be colored. In addition, there is provided a control means for changing the average ejection amount of ink and / or the ejection pitch of ink for each type of ink to be used.

Further, the apparatus for manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention is characterized in that an ink jet head having a different hole area of an ink discharge nozzle is provided for each type of ink to be used.

Further, in the color filter manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the types of the ink are three types of red ink, green ink and blue ink.

In the apparatus for manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, the inkjet head may be
The head is provided with three types of heads, a red ink head, a green ink head, and a blue ink head, and each of the heads has a different hole area of an ink discharge nozzle.

The apparatus for manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention is characterized in that the apparatus further comprises moving means for simultaneously scanning the three types of heads relative to the object to be colored. .

In the apparatus for manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, the average discharge amount of ink and / or the ink ejection pitch may be determined by drawing a dot pattern using the ink actually used, and converting the dot pattern into a camera. The method is characterized in that an image is picked up and image processing is performed to detect how the ink spreads and is determined based on the detection result.

In the apparatus for manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, the average discharge amount of the ink and / or the ejection pitch of the ink may be determined by drawing a line pattern using the ink actually used, and converting the line pattern into a camera. The method is characterized in that an image is picked up and image processing is performed to detect how the ink spreads and is determined based on the detection result.

In the apparatus for manufacturing a color filter according to the present invention, the ink jet head is a head for discharging ink using thermal energy,
It is characterized by having a thermal energy generator for generating thermal energy given to the ink.

The color filter according to the present invention comprises:
A color filter manufactured by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an inkjet head to color each pixel on the object to be colored, wherein the average ejection amount of ink and / or Alternatively, it is characterized in that the object to be colored is colored by changing the pitch of ink ejection.

Further, the display device according to the present invention is a display device having a color filter manufactured by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an ink jet head and coloring each pixel on the object to be colored. Then, a color filter manufactured by coloring the object to be colored by changing the average ejection amount of ink and / or the ink ejection pitch for each type of ink to be used, and a light amount varying means for varying the light amount are integrated. It is characterized by being prepared for.

Further, the apparatus provided with the display device according to the present invention is characterized in that a color filter manufactured by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an ink jet head and coloring each pixel on the object to be colored is provided. A color filter manufactured by coloring the object to be colored by changing an average ejection amount of ink and / or an ink ejection pitch for each type of ink to be used, and a variable light amount. And an image signal supply unit for supplying an image signal to the display device.

[0043]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a color filter manufacturing apparatus.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 51 denotes an apparatus mount; 52, an XYθ stage disposed on the mount 51; 53, a color filter substrate set on the XYθ stage 52;
Is a color filter formed on the color filter substrate 53, and 55 is a color filter for coloring the color filter 54.
A head unit including three ink jet heads 55a, 55b, and 55c for respectively discharging (red), G (green), and B (blue) inks, 58 is a controller that controls the overall operation of the color filter manufacturing apparatus 90, and 59 is A teaching pendant (personal computer) as a display unit of the controller, and a keyboard 60 as an operation unit of 59 is shown.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a control controller of the color filter manufacturing apparatus 90. 59 is a teaching pendant which is an input / output means of the controller 58;
Reference numeral denotes a display unit for displaying information such as the progress of manufacturing and whether or not the head is abnormal. Reference numeral 60 denotes an operation unit (keyboard) for instructing the operation of the color filter manufacturing apparatus 90 and the like.

Reference numeral 58 denotes a controller for controlling the overall operation of the color filter manufacturing apparatus 90; 65, an interface for transferring data to and from the teaching pendant 59; 66, a CPU for controlling the color filter manufacturing apparatus 90; ROM, which stores a control program for operating the color filter, 68, a RAM for storing abnormality information and the like, 70, a discharge control unit for controlling the discharge of ink into each pixel of the color filter, 71, a color filter manufacturing apparatus A stage control unit 90 for controlling the operation of the 90 XYθ stage 52 is connected to the controller 58, and shows a color filter manufacturing apparatus that operates according to the instruction.

Next, FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of an ink jet head 55a used in the above-described color filter manufacturing apparatus 90. In FIG. 1, three ink jet heads are provided corresponding to the three colors of R, G, and B. However, these three heads are the same except for the size of the hole diameter of the ink discharge nozzle. Because of the structure, FIG. 3 shows one of these three heads as a representative.

In FIG. 3, the ink jet head 55
“a” is schematically composed of a heater board 104 as a substrate on which a plurality of heaters 102 for heating ink are formed, and a top plate 106 overlaid on the heater board 104. The top plate 106 has a plurality of discharge ports 108.
A tunnel-like liquid passage 110 communicating with the discharge port 108 is formed behind the discharge port 108. Each liquid channel 110 is separated from an adjacent liquid channel by a partition 112. Each fluid channel 110 has one
The two ink liquid chambers 114 are connected in common, and ink is supplied to the ink liquid chambers 114 through ink supply ports 116, and the ink is supplied from the ink liquid chambers 114 to the respective liquid paths 110.

The heater board 104 and the top plate 106
Each heater 102 is positioned so as to come to a position corresponding to each liquid path 110, and assembled in a state as shown in FIG.
Although only two heaters 102 are shown in FIG. 3, one heater 102 is
Are arranged one by one. Then, when a predetermined drive pulse is supplied to the heater 102 in an assembled state as shown in FIG. 3, the ink on the heater 102 boils to form bubbles, and the ink expands from the ejection openings 108 by volume expansion of the bubbles. Extruded and discharged. Therefore, it is possible to control the driving pulse applied to the heater 102, for example, by controlling the magnitude of the electric power, to adjust the size of the bubble,
The volume of the ink ejected from the ejection port can be freely controlled.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of a color filter.

In the color filter of the present invention, a light-transmitting substrate is preferable as the substrate, and a glass substrate is generally used. However, a glass substrate having necessary characteristics such as transparency and mechanical strength as a color filter for liquid crystal is used. However, it is not limited to a glass substrate. FIG. 4A shows the light transmitting section 7.
And a glass substrate 1 provided with a black matrix 2 which is a light shielding portion. First, a resin composition curable by light irradiation or light irradiation and heating and having an ink receiving property is applied to the substrate 1 on which the black matrix 2 is formed, and prebaking is performed as necessary to form the resin layer 3. Form (Fig. 4
(B)). For forming the resin layer 3, a coating method such as spin coating, roll coating, bar coating, spray coating, or dip coating can be used, and is not particularly limited.

Next, a portion of the resin layer, which is shielded from light by the black matrix 2, is subjected to pattern exposure using a photomask 4 in advance by using a photomask 4 so that a portion of the resin layer is cured and ink is not absorbed in a portion 5 (non-color 4) (FIG. 4)
(C)), and then R,
Each color of G and B is colored at a time (FIG. 4D), and the ink is dried if necessary.

As the photomask 4 used at the time of pattern exposure, a photomask having an opening for curing a light-shielded portion by a black matrix is used. At this time, it is necessary to apply a relatively large amount of ink in order to prevent color loss of the colorant in a portion in contact with the black matrix. Therefore, it is preferable to use a mask having an opening smaller than the (light-shielding) width of the black matrix.

As the ink used for coloring, both dye-based and pigment-based inks can be used, and both liquid inks and solid inks can be used.

As the curable resin composition used in the present invention, any resin can be used as long as it has ink receptivity and can be cured by light irradiation or at least one of light irradiation and heating. Yes, as a resin, for example, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,
Examples include cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, and modified products thereof.

It is also possible to use a photoinitiator (crosslinking agent) to cause these resins to undergo a crosslinking reaction by light or light and heat. As a photoinitiator, dichromate,
Bisazide compounds, radical initiators, cationic initiators, anionic initiators and the like can be used. These photoinitiators can be used as a mixture or in combination with other sensitizers. Further, a photoacid generator such as an onium salt can be used in combination as a crosslinking agent. Note that heat treatment may be performed after light irradiation in order to further promote the crosslinking reaction.

The resin layer containing these compositions is extremely excellent in heat resistance, water resistance and the like, and can sufficiently withstand a high temperature or a washing step in a later step.

As the ink jet system used in the present invention, a bubble jet type using an electrothermal converter or a piezo jet type using a piezoelectric element can be used as an energy generating element. It can be set arbitrarily.

Although this embodiment shows an example in which a black matrix is formed on a substrate, the black matrix is formed on a resin layer after forming a curable resin composition layer or after coloring. However, there is no particular problem, and the form is not limited to this example. Also,
As a forming method thereof, it is preferable to form a metal thin film on a substrate by sputtering or vapor deposition and pattern it by a photolithography process, but it is not limited thereto.

Next, only the light irradiation, only the heat treatment, or the light irradiation and the heat treatment are performed to cure the curable resin composition (FIG. 4E), and the protective layer 8 is formed as necessary (FIG. 4E).
(F). In the drawing, hν indicates the intensity of light, and in the case of heat treatment, heat is applied instead of the light of hν. The protective layer 8 can be formed using a second resin composition of a photo-curing type, a thermo-setting type or a combination of light and heat, or can be formed by vapor deposition or sputtering using an inorganic material. Any material can be used as long as it has the transparency in this case and can sufficiently withstand the subsequent ITO forming process, alignment film forming process, and the like.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are sectional views showing the basic structure of a color liquid crystal display device 30 incorporating the above-described color filter.

A color liquid crystal display device is generally formed by combining a color filter substrate 1 and a counter substrate 21 and enclosing a liquid crystal compound 18. A TFT (Thin Film Transistor) is provided inside one substrate 21 of the liquid crystal display device.
r) (not shown) and transparent pixel electrodes 20 are formed in a matrix. In addition, a color filter 54 is provided inside the other substrate 1 so that RGB color materials are arranged at positions facing the pixel electrodes, and a transparent counter electrode (common electrode) 16 is formed on the entire surface. Is done. The black matrix 2 is usually formed on the color filter substrate 1 side (see FIG. 5), but is formed on the opposite TFT substrate side in a BM (black matrix) on-array type liquid crystal panel (see FIG. 6). Further, an alignment film 19 is formed in the planes of both substrates, and rubbing the alignment film 19 allows liquid crystal molecules to be aligned in a certain direction. A polarizing plate 1 is provided outside each glass substrate.
The liquid crystal compound 18 is filled in the gap (about 2 to 5 μm) between these glass substrates.
In addition, a combination of a fluorescent lamp (not shown) and a scattering plate (not shown) is generally used as the backlight, and the display is performed by making the liquid crystal compound function as an optical shutter that changes the transmittance of the backlight light. I do.

As shown in FIG. 7, a colored portion may be formed on the pixel electrode 20 to function as a color filter. That is, the colored portion constituting the color filter is not limited to being formed on the glass substrate. In the form shown in FIG. 7, there are a case where an ink receiving layer is formed on a pixel electrode and ink is applied to this receiving layer, and a case where a resin ink mixed with a coloring material is directly projected on the pixel electrode. is there.

An example in which such a liquid crystal display device is applied to an information processing device will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration when the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device is applied to an information processing device having functions as a word processor, a personal computer, a facsimile device, and a copying device.

In the figure, reference numeral 1801 denotes a control unit for controlling the entire apparatus, which includes a CPU such as a microprocessor and various I / O ports, outputs control signals and data signals to each unit, and controls signals from each unit. And control by inputting data signals. Reference numeral 1802 denotes a display unit, on which various menus, document information, and the image reader 18 are displayed.
In step 07, the read image data and the like are displayed. 18
Reference numeral 03 denotes a transparent pressure-sensitive touch panel provided on the display unit 1802. By pressing the surface of the touch panel with a finger or the like, it is possible to input items, coordinate positions, and the like on the display unit 1802.

Reference numeral 1804 denotes an FM (Frequency Modulation) sound source unit which stores music information created by a music editor or the like as digital data in a memory unit 1810 or an external storage device 1812, reads out the FM information from the memory or the like, and reads the FM information.
The modulation is performed. The electric signal from the FM sound source unit 1804 is converted into an audible sound by the speaker unit 1805.
The printer unit 1806 is used as an output terminal of a word processor, a personal computer, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine.

Reference numeral 1807 denotes an image reader unit for reading and inputting original data photoelectrically, which is provided in the original transport path and reads various originals such as facsimile originals and copy originals.

Reference numeral 1808 denotes facsimile transmission of the original data read by the image reader unit 1807, and facsimile (F) for receiving and decoding the transmitted facsimile signal.
AX), and has an external interface function. Reference numeral 1809 denotes a telephone unit having various telephone functions such as a normal telephone function and an answering machine function.

Reference numeral 1810 denotes a ROM that stores a system program, a manager program, other application programs, character fonts, a dictionary, and the like; application programs and document information loaded from an external storage device 1812; and a memory that includes a video RAM and the like. Department.

Reference numeral 1811 denotes a keyboard for inputting document information and various commands.

Reference numeral 1812 denotes an external storage device using a storage medium such as a floppy disk or a hard disk. The external storage device 1812 stores document information, music or audio information,
A user application program and the like are stored.

FIG. 9 is a schematic overview of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1901 denotes a flat panel display using the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device, which displays various menus, graphic information, document information and the like. By pressing the surface of the touch panel 1803 with a finger or the like on the display 1901, coordinate input and item designation input can be performed. A handset 1902 is used when the device functions as a telephone. Keyboard 190
3 is detachably connected to the main body via a cord,
Various document functions and various data inputs can be performed. The keyboard 1903 has various function keys 1904.
Etc. are provided. 1905 is an external storage device 1812
This is the slot for the floppy disk.

Reference numeral 1906 denotes a paper placing portion on which a document to be read by the image reader portion 1807 is placed, and the read document is discharged from the rear of the apparatus. In the case of facsimile reception or the like, printing is performed by the inkjet printer 1907.

When the information processing apparatus functions as a personal computer or a word processor, various information input from the keyboard unit 1811 is processed by the control unit 1801 according to a predetermined program, and
The image is output to an image 806.

When functioning as a receiver of a facsimile apparatus, facsimile information input from a facsimile transmission / reception unit 1808 via a communication line is received and processed by a control unit 1801 according to a predetermined program.
Is output as a received image.

When functioning as a copier, a document is read by an image reader 1807 and the read document data is sent to a printer 18 via a controller 1801.
06 is output as a copy image. When functioning as a facsimile receiver, the image reader unit 1
The original data read by 807 is transmitted to control unit 180.
After transmission processing according to a predetermined program by 1
The data is transmitted to the communication line via the facsimile transmission / reception unit 1808.

The information processing apparatus described above may be of an integrated type having a built-in ink jet printer as shown in FIG. 10, in which case the portability can be further improved. In the figure, parts having the same functions as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the corresponding reference numerals.

Next, a method of changing the hole diameter of the ink discharge nozzle of the ink jet head according to the type of ink, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described.

(First Embodiment) First, R to be used
The wetting spread of each of the (red), G (green), and B (blue) inks in the ink receiving layer (resin layer 3 in FIG. 4) is measured.
As a method, for example, a dot pattern as shown in FIG. 11 is drawn on a glass substrate coated with an ink receiving layer by using all nozzles of the inkjet heads 55a, 55b, and 55c.

FIG. 11 shows three heads 55a, 55b, 5
FIG. 5C shows the drawing of the R, G, and B dot patterns.

The dot diameter (or dot area) may be measured for all the dots using the image processing apparatus of the measuring system shown in FIG.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 31 denotes an image processing apparatus;
Is a computer that controls the entire apparatus, 33 is a microscope that enlarges a captured image, 34 is a stage on which a glass substrate for drawing a dot pattern is placed, 35 is a CCD camera that captures the enlarged image by the image processing device 31, 36
Is a transmission light source.

The dot pattern is enlarged by the microscope 33 with the transmitted light of the transmission light source 36, input to the image processing device 31 through the CCD camera 35, and subjected to image processing such as binarization to determine the diameter or area.

After the measurement of the dot diameter, it is determined whether the extent of the spread is appropriate for the width (or area) of the actual colored portion (pixel) of the color filter.

As a result, if it becomes necessary to adjust the ink discharge amount at a certain rate, if it is desired to increase the discharge amount, it is necessary to increase the hole area of the head nozzle. The hole area is adjusted during manufacture of the ink jet head so that the hole area of the head nozzle is reduced.

FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the hole area of the nozzle and the landing dot diameter of the ink ejected from the nozzle in the head used by the inventor of the present invention for the experiment. According to this figure, it is understood that there is a very high correlation between the hole area and the landing dot diameter. As described above, it is possible to control the ink ejection amount by the nozzle hole area.

As a specific method for adjusting the nozzle hole area of the head, for example, a head manufacturing method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-121842 can be applied.

By using the method of adjusting the power of the excimer laser shown here using a mask, the nozzle hole area of the head can be easily changed, and an optimum nozzle hole area can be obtained.

By using the head processed through such a procedure in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, "white spots" and "color mixing" can be obtained.
With respect to the problem described above, a color filter with a wide margin can be manufactured.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, an optimum head nozzle hole area is determined by drawing a dot pattern and measuring the dot diameter or dot area.
The drawing pattern does not necessarily need to be dots, and for example, a line pattern shown in FIG. 13 is drawn by all the nozzles of the inkjet heads 55a, 55b, and 55c.

Then, the width of the line pattern may be measured by a measuring system shown in FIG. 12, and the nozzle hole area of each head may be determined based on the measured value.

The drawing of a line pattern is particularly similar to the case of coloring an actual color filter. If a better result can be obtained by measuring the width (wetting spread) of the line pattern and determining the nozzle hole area at this time. is expected.

In the first embodiment, a method using an excimer laser and a mask has been described as a method for manufacturing a head. However, the present invention is not limited to this method.
A method using a photosensitive resin described in JP-A-2-59672 may be used.

It is also conceivable to use a photolithography method.

The laser drilling method is easy and has a great merit in terms of cost, but the photolithographic method is advantageous in terms of making the hole area uniform.

It is desirable to select one of the methods according to the required head accuracy. As described above, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the method of changing the ink ejection amount according to the hole area of the nozzle to be used has been described. However, the other methods described above (“bit correction”, the piezoelectric element head) It is needless to say that it is also possible to use the applied voltage control in (1).

However, the amount of ink discharge that can be changed by “bit correction” is about 20%, depending on the circuit configuration, and the ink discharge amount can be controlled twice or more with the piezoelectric element head. In FIG. 14 as well, the nozzles in which the correlation between the nozzle hole area and the landed dot diameter is slightly shifted partially can be adjusted by “bit correction” or the like to obtain a more appropriate ink ejection amount.

The present invention can be applied to a modification or a modification of the above embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention.

The present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for performing ink ejection, particularly in an ink jet recording system. The printing apparatus of the type that causes a change in the state of the ink has been described.
High definition can be achieved.

The typical structure and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, liquid (ink)
By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding the film boiling to the electrothermal transducer arranged corresponding to the sheet or the liquid path holding the Since thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer and film boiling occurs on the heat-acting surface of the recording head, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed. It is valid. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.

As the pulse-shaped driving signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the ejection port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, A configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting surface is arranged in a bent region, is also included in the present invention. In addition, for multiple electrothermal transducers,
JP-A-59-123670 which discloses a configuration in which a common slot is used as a discharge part of an electrothermal transducer, and JP-A-59-123670 which discloses a configuration in which an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy corresponds to a discharge part. A configuration based on 138461 may be adopted.

Further, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length is determined by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification. This may be either a configuration satisfying the above requirements or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally.

In addition, the print head is replaceable with a print head of a replaceable chip type, which can be electrically connected to the main body of the apparatus or supplied with ink from the main body of the apparatus, or is integrated with the print head itself. Alternatively, a cartridge type recording head provided with an ink tank may be used.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the print head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like provided as components of the printing apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. . If these are specifically mentioned, capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof, and printing Performing a preliminary ejection mode for performing another ejection is also effective for performing stable printing.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower, or an ink that softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. It is only necessary that the ink be in a liquid state when the recording signal is applied.

In addition, in order to positively prevent the temperature rise due to thermal energy as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, the temperature is positively prevented.
Alternatively, in order to prevent evaporation of the ink, an ink which solidifies in a standing state and liquefies by heating may be used. In any case, the application of heat energy causes the ink to be liquefied by the application of the heat energy recording signal and the liquid ink to be ejected, or by the time the ink reaches the recording medium, the solidification of the ink already begun. The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is used. In such a case, as described in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-71260, the ink is held in a liquid state or a solid state in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet. It is good also as a form which opposes an electrothermal transducer. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention, "white spots" and "white spots" which are major problems in a method of manufacturing a color filter by an ink jet method without adding an electric circuit related to the cost of an ink jet head. The margin for "mixed colors" can be expanded. This leads to an increase in the production yield of color filters,
As a result, the cost of the color filter itself is reduced.

[0112]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a color filter manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit that controls the operation of the color filter manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an ink jet head used in a color filter manufacturing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a color filter.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a basic configuration of a color liquid crystal display device incorporating a color filter according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the basic configuration of the color liquid crystal display device incorporating the color filter of one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing still another example of the basic configuration of the color liquid crystal display device incorporating the color filter of one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus in which a liquid crystal display device is used.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus in which a liquid crystal display device is used.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an information processing device in which a liquid crystal display device is used.

FIG. 11 is an example of a dot pattern drawn using an inkjet head.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a measurement system for measuring how the ink spreads.

FIG. 13 is an example of a line pattern drawn using an inkjet head.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a hole area of a nozzle and a landing dot diameter of ink ejected from the nozzle.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a pulse time (heating time) and an ink ejection amount.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a dot pattern image printed by each nozzle after bit correction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 31 image processing device 32 personal computer 33 optical microscope 34 XY stage 35 color CCD camera 36 transmitted light source

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A method of manufacturing a color filter by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an ink jet head and coloring each pixel on the object to be colored, comprising the steps of: A method of manufacturing a color filter, wherein the object to be colored is colored by changing an average ejection amount and / or an ink ejection pitch. 2. The method for manufacturing a color filter according to claim 1, wherein the object to be colored is colored using an ink jet head having a different hole area of an ink discharge nozzle for each type of ink to be used. 3. The method for manufacturing a color filter according to claim 1, wherein the types of ink are three types of red ink, green ink, and blue ink. 4. The ink-jet head according to claim 3, wherein three types of heads, a red ink head, a green ink head, and a blue ink head, are used, and the hole areas of the ink ejection nozzles of each head are different. The method for manufacturing a color filter according to claim 3. 5. The coloring object is colored by simultaneously ejecting inks of the respective colors while simultaneously scanning the three types of heads relative to the coloring object. Item 5. A method for producing a color filter according to Item 4. 6. A dot pattern is drawn using ink actually used, and the dot pattern is imaged by a camera.
2. The color filter manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the wetting and spreading method of the ink is detected by performing image processing, and an average ejection amount and / or a driving pitch of the ink is determined based on the detection result. Method. 7. A line pattern is drawn using ink actually used, and the line pattern is imaged by a camera.
2. The color filter manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the wetting and spreading method of the ink is detected by performing image processing, and an average ejection amount and / or a driving pitch of the ink is determined based on the detection result. Method. 8. The ink-jet head according to claim 1, wherein the ink-jet head is a head that uses thermal energy to eject ink, and includes a thermal energy generator for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink. A method for producing the color filter according to the above. 9. An apparatus for manufacturing a color filter by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an ink-jet head and coloring each pixel on the object to be colored, wherein each type of ink to be used is an ink. A control unit for changing an average ejection amount and / or an ink ejection pitch of the color filter. 10. The color filter manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an ink jet head having a different hole area of an ink discharge nozzle for each type of ink to be used. 11. The type of the ink is red ink,
The color filter manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein there are three types of green ink and blue ink. 12. The ink-jet head according to claim 3, comprising three types of heads: a red ink head, a green ink head, and a blue ink head, each of which has a different hole area of an ink discharge nozzle. Item 9
2. The apparatus for manufacturing a color filter according to claim 1. 13. The apparatus for manufacturing a color filter according to claim 12, further comprising moving means for simultaneously scanning said three kinds of heads relative to said object to be colored. . 14. The average discharge amount of the ink and / or the ejection pitch of the ink may be determined by drawing a dot pattern using actually used ink, capturing the dot pattern with a camera, and performing image processing. 10. The color filter manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the method of detecting the spread of the color filter is determined based on a result of the detection. 15. The ink ejection amount and / or the ink ejection pitch may be determined by drawing a line pattern using actually used ink, capturing the line pattern with a camera, and performing image processing on the line pattern. 10. The color filter manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the method of detecting the spread of the color filter is determined based on a result of the detection. 16. The ink jet head according to claim 9, wherein the ink jet head is a head that ejects ink using thermal energy, and includes a thermal energy generator for generating thermal energy applied to the ink. An apparatus for manufacturing the color filter according to the above. 17. A color filter manufactured by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an ink jet head to color each pixel on the object to be colored, wherein the color filter is provided for each type of ink to be used. A color filter manufactured by coloring the object to be colored by changing an average ejection amount and / or an ink ejection pitch. 18. A display device comprising a color filter manufactured by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an ink jet head and coloring each pixel on the object to be colored, wherein the type of ink used is A display characterized in that a color filter manufactured by coloring the object to be colored by changing an average ejection amount of ink and / or an ink ejection pitch every time and a light amount varying means for varying a light amount are integrally provided. apparatus. 19. An apparatus provided with a display device having a color filter manufactured by discharging ink toward an object to be colored by an inkjet head to color each pixel on the object to be colored, Display device integrally including a color filter manufactured by coloring the object to be colored by changing the average ejection amount of ink and / or the ink ejection pitch for each type of ink to be performed, and light amount variable means for varying light amount And an image signal supply unit for supplying an image signal to the display device.